The Jigawa State government has reported a remarkable improvement in immunization coverage over the past five years.
Speaking on Tuesday at a two-day workshop aimed at strengthening primary healthcare systems in the state, Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, highlighted the progress made in this area.
Dr. Ibrahim, represented by Dr. Shehu Sambo, the director of the primary health care agency, revealed that the state had faced a major challenge in 2016 with only 7% of eligible children receiving immunisation. “However, through collaborative efforts and targeted initiatives, this figure has now risen to 49%.”
The improved coverage was attributed to various strategies such as intensive training for healthcare workers, better data management, and focused outreach programs in remote areas. The support from GAVI and UNICEF has played a crucial role in expanding these efforts.
The positive impact of the increased immunisation coverage was emphasized, with benefits including improved nutritional status, better educational outcomes, and higher survival rates among children. Dr. Ibrahim noted that healthier children are not only better learners but also valuable contributors to their communities.
Ibrahim further outlined several challenges encountered in implementing the MOU, including the difficulty of reaching nomadic populations, especially during the rainy season. “Surveys often miss some children due to the movement of these populations,” he explained. “Additionally, rising inflation has increased costs, which impacts our ability to achieve expected outcomes. We also face challenges with the growing number of facilities and a 3% annual population increase. Furthermore, transitions in healthcare workers—whether due to resignation or death—have added to the difficulties, though we are actively working to address these issues.”
